Artists To Watch: IDMAN
Toronto-born, Somali artist IDMAN’s music is equal parts authentic, contagious and real. Mentored by prolific producer Salaam Remi, IDMAN, who previously worked in social justice, transitioned into music after graduating from Toronto’s presitigious The Remix Project.
IDMAN’s debut single, “Down For It” is an affirmation-filled anthem that makes one feel seen, validated and encouraged through her vulnerability. We hear her grapple with self doubt over slick, melodic, bass-driven production that blends elements of contemporary R&B, trap-soul and singer-songwriter sensibilities.
“Down For It is the first song that we completed for this EP. It's an opportunity for me to have a one on one conversation with anyone who shares or resonates with feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. I'm thinking out loud, first processing what it means to have self-doubt and then processing what it means to have external doubt and the perseverance it takes to see things through and commit to self.”
- IDMAN
IDMAN’s forthcoming debut EP will see her take a journey of discovery of self and sound, a journey that we’re all invited to take with her.
We caught up with the rising star and caught an introductory glimpse into her world.
Who is IDMAN?
I would say that that's a really hard question for anyone to answer. If anyone asked me who I am, I would say I'm IDMAN and hopefully through this art we're able to, I don't know, extend that question further and kind figure it out together because I don't know if I know who I am.
Where are you from? Can you speak briefly about your background and how that led you to music?
I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I'm Somali. I grew up in Toronto and North Carolina and Nairobi, Kenya. I used to do social justice work not too long ago and transitioned into music after doing my music program remix in Toronto, Ontario.
Who have been some of your major musical influences?
I would say that some of my major music influences include Magool, who is an incredible Somali vocalist. Probably a lot more producers, maybe, than singers, and as far as songwriters go, I would reference Mariah Carey as one of the best songwriters, most prolific songwriters of our time, her and Tupac Shakur.
Can you remember the first song you fell in love with? Why that song?
I can think of two. The first one is “Can't Satisfy Her” by I Wayne. And the second one is “Thug's Mansion” by Tupac Shakur. Both of those songs for me were the first songs I ever listened to and actually heard. I remember where I was, what I was doing the moment that it sunk in that the words resonated. Definitely those two.
Tell me, what is your creative process?
My creative process varies. Sometimes I have a line stuck in my head that I really want to figure out structure around, or sometimes it's a concept that I'm really wanting to explore or it's something that just happened and I kind of want to get it out of my system. But it's always different. It's always different.
What songs have been on rotation for you so far this season or this year?
I've been listening a lot to the Victoria Monet on the EP. I feel like that was an amazing body of work. I have been listening to a Michael Mayeux song called “You and You”. He's an incredible vocalist that a friend put just put me on. And recently I heard “Fluff” by Tank and the Bangas - that song is amazing.
When you're not making music, what are you up to?
When I'm not making music, I'm a tourist, I'm a homebody, so usually doing things around sanctuary and home. I really do have a passion for working around the collective liberation movement for black folks and all across the diaspora, and how I can be supportive or helpful or kind of what a community. I really love taking opportunities to step in or step up.
And lastly, what does the future look like for you?
Honestly, I don't know what it looks like, but I know what I hope it looks like. I hope that it includes this art. I really love the site, I hope it includes more self discovery and learning. I hope that I can be of service to people through this music, and I hope that I can really learn to grow and evolve. I hope the future has me continuing to push myself to make the best possible at that given time.
